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February 11, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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March 31, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Event end:
History
The Mito Plum Festival began in 1894—one year after the opening of the Joban railway line—to celebrate easier access between Tokyo (Ueno) and Mito. Lord Tokugawa Nariaki originally created Kairakuen in 1842 as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens (alongside Kenrokuen and Korakuen), planting over 3,000 plum trees of 100 varieties so common people could enjoy seasonal beauty alongside the nobility.
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Contact Jasumo Now →The festival has evolved from a single-day event into a six-week celebration attracting over one million visitors annually. Highlights like the Plum Blossom Ambassadors (since 1968), night illuminations (introduced 1990s), and the temporary Kairakuen Station (revived in recent decades) have cemented its status as Eastern Japan’s premier plum-blossom festival.
Today it perfectly embodies Nariaki’s vision: a garden “for the enjoyment of the people.”
Overview
The Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2026 runs from mid-February to late March in the historic Kairakuen Garden. Over 3,000 plum trees in 100 varieties bloom in waves of white, pink, and red, filling the 13-hectare park with intense fragrance.
Weekend highlights include Plum Blossom Ambassadors in exclusive kimono, outdoor tea ceremonies, traditional music at Tokiwa Shrine, night illuminations (for ~2 weeks in early March), free vintage bus tours, and the poignant Hina Nagashi doll-floating ceremony. The special Kairakuen Station opens weekends for direct train access from Ueno.
Highlights
- 3,000 Plum Trees, 100 Varieties: One of Japan’s largest and most diverse collections—early, mid, and late bloomers extend the season.
- Plum Blossom Ambassadors: Ten elegant guides in exclusive yearly kimono patterns—perfect for photos and festival info.
- Night Illumination: ~2 weeks of evening lights (park open until 9 PM) creating a romantic atmosphere.
- Direct Train Access: Temporary Kairakuen Station operates weekends—board the “Plum Blossom Train” from Ueno.
- Cultural Performances: Tea ceremonies, koto/shakuhachi concerts, Noh, and Hina Nagashi doll-floating ritual.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- 3,000 Plum Trees, 100 Varieties: One of Japan’s largest and most diverse collections—early, mid, and late bloomers extend the season.
- Plum Blossom Ambassadors: Ten elegant guides in exclusive yearly kimono patterns—perfect for photos and festival info.
- Night Illumination: ~2 weeks of evening lights (park open until 9 PM) creating a romantic atmosphere.
- Direct Train Access: Temporary Kairakuen Station operates weekends—board the “Plum Blossom Train” from Ueno.
- Cultural Performances: Tea ceremonies, koto/shakuhachi concerts, Noh, and Hina Nagashi doll-floating ritual.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can secure front-row seats for night illumination, Plum Blossom Ambassador photo sessions, limited-express train tickets, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
Mid-February – Late March 2026
- Typical Dates: February 15 – March 31
- Night Illumination: ~First two weeks of March (exact dates TBA)
- Kairakuen Station: Weekends & holidays 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Main Events: Weekends throughout
Pricing
- Kairakuen Garden: ¥300 adults / ¥150 children
- All Festival Events: Free
- Parking: Paid lots nearby
Location
Kairakuen Garden 1-1 Tokiwacho, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0033, Japan
How to Get There
- Special Train: Weekends—direct from Ueno to Kairakuen Station (inside the park!)
- Regular Access: JR Joban Line to Mito Station → 15-min bus or 30-min walk
- From Tokyo: ~70–90 min by limited express Hitachi/Tokai
- By Car: 10 min from Mito IC (Joban Expressway)
Accommodation Options
Mito Station hotels range ¥8,000–¥20,000. Luxury options with plum-view rooms (e.g., President Hotel Mito) ¥18,000–¥40,000.
Nearby Oarai onsen ryokan offer coastal relaxation from ¥20,000/person. Book 6+ months ahead for night-illumination weekends.
FAQs
When does the 2026 festival officially start?
Typically mid-February (around Feb 15–20); exact date announced in late 2025.
Does the special Kairakuen Station run every day?
No—only Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
When is night illumination?
Usually first two weeks of March (park open until 9 PM)—confirm closer to season.
Are the Plum Blossom Ambassadors there every day?
Primarily weekends and peak bloom period—perfect for photos.
When do cherry blossoms start at Kairakuen?
Early to mid-April—some late plum trees overlap with early sakura for rare double viewing.
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